Movies

Review: ‘Severance’ Season 2 is a refined, thrilling masterwork

BBG News

If you haven’t delved into the peculiar yet resonating storyline of the sci-fi office series “Severance,” some of what follows might seem puzzling. For a brief introduction, scroll down to the next paragraph and then return. I’ll try my best to appear less enigmatic with a bit more context, though given the past few months, I can’t guarantee complete rationality.

Separating my professional responsibilities from my personal life seems incredibly appealing at this moment. The unique hurdles in journalism today have made my work increasingly demanding – from reporting on a tumultuous election, dealing with internal conflict within our newspaper, to grappling with how to objectively report about the emergence of a new American oligarchy without becoming overwhelmed. To top it off, our hometown is still struggling. In essence, what was once a troubling scenario in a dystopian drama/comedy now brings me a sense of peace. At last, a chance to perform my duties without the emotional turmoil!

In my opinion, I found myself utterly captivated by Season 1 of the thought-provoking series executive produced by none other than Ben Stiller himself, who directed six out of the nine episodes. This remarkable production took us on a journey into Lumon Industries, where we encountered an extraordinary workforce – individuals who had undergone a unique surgical procedure that partitioned their work memories from their personal ones.

The transformation is triggered when these altered employees step into an employee elevator, which descends them to the “severed” workspace in the morning and elevates them back up to the surface at the end of the day’s work. It was a gripping exploration of what it means to compartmentalize one’s life for the sake of work, and I couldn’t get enough!

Television

In this article, we’ll discuss key takeaways from the inaugural season of “Severance” and explore how specific scenes and motifs might hint at events unfolding in Season 2.

This piece will cover important insights gleaned during the first installment of “Severance,” as well as possible clues within certain instances and imagery that may suggest developments for Season 2.

The employees in the macrodata refinement division spend their work hours staring at computer screens, organizing numerical data into virtual containers. They’re unaware of the significance of these numbers or what their company manufactures. Their primary objective is meeting their quarterly target. Meanwhile, outsiders remain oblivious to the conditions inside the workplace. In essence, it’s an ideal scenario for a corporate ruler. What makes this even more peculiar is that Lumon’s work environment is centered around a fervent devotion to its deceased founder, Kier Eagan, as demonstrated by statues, artwork, and numerous books of Kier’s teachings scattered throughout the building.

On Friday, Apple TV+’s psychological thriller returns after an absence of almost three years, delving further into the far-reaching implications of pursuing an ideal work/life balance. It comes just in time to fuel my dreams of finding a way to separate professional and personal commitments, or perhaps finding solace by immersing myself in my job instead of dealing with personal troubles.

The solace for shattering my aspirations? Season 2 is a stunning, skillfully crafted television masterpiece. With its 10 episodes, it delivers chilling sci-fi elements, sharp social critique, and dark humor all within a well-structured narrative that’s both thought-provoking and exhilarating.

Dan Erickson is the creator of Season 2, which delves deeper into the personal histories of its principal characters, infusing a sense of emotion within the sterile, Kubrick-inspired settings of their workplace. The narrative picks up five months after the season finale’s dramatic cliffhanger, where the macrodata refinement team triggered Lumon’s “overtime contingency” device, known as OTC, to activate their subconscious selves in the real world.

The characters Mark S. (Adam Scott), Dylan G. (Zach Cherry), Helly R. (Britt Lower) and Irving B. (John Turturro) aimed to reveal their challenging work environments, discover more about themselves outside of work, and perhaps uncover some secrets regarding their employer. They were curious about the confidential nature of the data they handle, questioning if Mark’s supposedly deceased wife, Gemma (Dichen Lachman), is actually alive and working at Lumon. Additionally, they wanted to understand the mystery behind the goats.

In my experience, as I delve deeper into the mysteries that unfold, fresh enigmas seem to surface. Despite appearing to be no older than 12, I’m employed at Lumon. When inquired about my age, I respond with a touch of wit, “It’s due to the timing of my birth.

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In a new twist, the once-fallen enforcer, Ms. Cobel (Patricia Arquette), seems determined to reclaim her lost position, but is she? Meanwhile, Mr. Milchick (Tramell Tillman) continues his presence on the “severed floor,” his unsettling grin and hidden anger never far away. However, signs of weakness are beginning to show in his management role. Additionally, Lumon has transformed the MDR team’s rebellion into a public relations advantage, pledging increased transparency and respect for their workforce, who have been severed from the rest of society.

Workers can look forward to improved facilities, including access to pass privileges and an array of refreshing snack options such as fruit roll-ups! Lumon Corporation has also allegedly removed its monitoring cameras from the break room. However, the MDR team suspects otherwise and they have a strategy in place.

Awards

In accepting the role for ‘Severance’, the actress relied primarily on her faith in Ben Stiller’s judgment.

Severance presents a labyrinthine complexity that rivals the intricate corridors of Lumon, filled with unexpected twists, hidden agendas, and deceitful pathways. Unraveling the mystery and identifying those involved is part of the enjoyable challenge.

One captivating element that makes this series hard to look away from is the exceptional acting. Turturro delivers a mesmerizing portrayal of Irv, a tormented outie, with every scene exuding heartbreak. Scott’s character as the leader searching for truth and perhaps freedom from Lumon stands out as incredibly genuine amidst the cold, artificial office settings. Tillman gradually unveils Milchick’s hidden complexities, adding fresh layers to an already intriguing show. The performances by Cherry and Lower bring to life the dichotomy of personalities between innies and outties.

The final episode of this gripping season is filled with thought-provoking, mysterious puzzles that unravel in fascinating and unexpected manners. Despite wrapping up neatly, there’s still enough mystery left to suggest the possibility of more seasons (should we be so fortunate).

In simpler terms, “Severance’s” playground could be described as a challenging terrain where ordinary office workers compete with the likes of Musks and Bezos, and the dark influence of massive corporations reaches much further than what they publicly declare. Regrettably, these situations seem more like real-life struggles rather than stories from science fiction.

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2025-01-16 23:01

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